SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown feels Saturday’s win at Barrow showed how his new managerial regime has already made an impact at Roots Hall.

For the first time since October 2018, Blues came from a goal down to pick up three points.

And Brown believes there is now far more fighting spirit on show.

“On Saturday we went a goal behind to Barrow but we came back and that’s a telltale sign we’ve had an effect on the changing room,” said Brown.

“When we conceded first against Colchester United I couldn’t believe the reaction of the players.

“It was almost one of defeat 30 minutes into a game.

“There was still an hour to go and more than enough time to get out of that trouble you’re in.

“I made reference to it straight after the game because it was almost like being a boxer and as soon as someone lays a glove on you you’re finished.

“That mentality had to be smashed and broken.

“I didn’t want to go a goal down at Barrow of course but to win the game like we did is a step forward.

“It’s a sign that we have had an effect too but unfortunately we’ve not had enough time as everyone kept saying to me.

“But I made my bed so I’ll lie in it.”

Goals from John White and Terrell Egbri saw the Shrimpers triumph against Barrow but it was not enough to stop relegation as Scunthorpe United picked up a point against Bradford City.

But Brown is still keen to keep the winning run going when Newport County head to Roots Hall this weekend.

“The priority is to win the third game in a row,” said Brown.

“I don’t think 11 points from six games would be a bad return but it’s not enough to keep us in the League.

“At the start of this I would probably have thought 11 points would be enough but everyone else has shown a bit of bottle.

“The likes of Colchester and Barrow have been able to deal with the situation and Scunthorpe on Saturday getting the point they needed.

“Being in other people’s hands has not been an easy part of the job.

“It’s not the way I like to deal but I’ve been analysing a few things and what we’ve affected.

“The big thing for me would be getting three back to back wins for the first time this season.”

Brown, who previously spent five years in charge of Blues, came back to the club for the final six games of campaign.